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Apartment Living With a Dog
Helping You & Your Dog Adjust to Apartment Life: What Worked for Us
When Lily and I moved from a home with a backyard in Kansas City to an apartment in Washington, D.C., I wasn’t sure how she would handle the transition. It was the first time she had lived in an apartment since she was just four months old. I was especially nervous about the lack of a yard and the need for scheduled potty breaks. But to my surprise (and relief), she adjusted to city living quickly and smoothly. Here are a few things we did to help make the change easier for her:
1. Stick to a Schedule
Knowing your dog’s potty routine is key. Once you move in, identify a few nearby spots where your dog can go to the bathroom, and be consistent with timing. A predictable routine helps your dog know what to expect.
For us, that looks like four potty breaks a day:
- First thing in the morning (with a walkie)
- Around lunchtime (if one of us is working from home)
- After work, around 5 p.m.
- One last trip before bed
If we know we won’t be home midday, we make sure she gets out twice before we leave.
2. Find a Veterinarian Before You Move
Before your move, search your new ZIP code for a primary vet, an urgent care clinic, and an emergency vet. If you don’t have a car, it’s especially important to find the best care you can within walking distance. We got very lucky and found a great provider 3 blocks away. Save each location’s info in an easily accessible place—trust me, it’s better to have it ready before you need it.
3. Explore Local Parks and Walking Paths
Familiarize yourself with nearby green spaces, walking trails, and dog parks—both on-leash and off-leash. Having go-to spots for exercise and play will keep your pup happy and stimulated.
4. Get Comfortable with the Elevator
Some dogs are wary of elevators at first, so a little training can go a long way. Short, positive sessions every few days helped Lily get used to the ride.
More importantly: practice good elevator etiquette. If someone is already inside with their dog, always ask before entering. And if your dog tends to be reactive or nervous around other dogs, wait for the next elevator or take the stairs. It’s a simple step that avoids unnecessary stress, and the extra movement is good for everyone!
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Dog Vlog: Blizzard Edition
A cold, slow day in DC -
Quiet Waters Dog Beach
Quiet Waters Dog Beach is located in Annapolis, MD roughly 34 miles from Washington DC city center* and is nested along South River off of the Chesapeake Bay. The beach itself is free to use, but it costs $6** to park your car in the Quiet Waters Park parking lot. While Quiet Waters Dog Beach is off leash, Quiet Waters Park is not unless you are in the dedicated dog park area, so keep that in mind when planning your visit!
Our Trip
We decided to make a day-trip to Annapolis on a Saturday in July and were so excited to get Lily in the water! We were on the tail end of several weeks of record-high temperatures in D.C., so we were not able to get her outside as often as we normally do. The drive in took about an hour with traffic and was mostly highway, but by the time we got into the park, the road was lined with trees, and the drive was beautiful. As soon as we parked and got Lily out of the car, she got tippy-tappy toes which is usually a tell-tale sign that she has been somewhere before and knows where she is. Turns out her Auntie Lauren had taken her to the beach several months before while we were out of town, and she was so excited to be back!What To Expect at Quiet Waters
The path we took from the parking lot to the beach is probably just under 0.5 mile, mostly downhill there and uphill back. There is a restroom and a “shower” right off of the parking lot to hose off your dog (and your feet!) before you get back into your car.
The beach is small (maybe 40 yards in length and 2 yards in width on average if I were to guesstimate) but is a fully fenced in, off-leash beach dedicated to doggos of all shapes and sizes. It was really busy when we went which made Lily a bit nervous, but she did great with some of the more rambunctious doggos.If you decide to go on the weekend, be aware that many people make a full day out of this. We saw a lot of people with beach chairs who looked like they had been settled with their pups for a few hours. Not surprising as I am sure this park is a favorite of people and dogs alike during warmer months, but it is something you should keep in mind if you have an anxious pup. Also, don’t expect crystal clear waters and a clean beach – it is a river, and the beach accumulates grass, so we recommend packing sandals or waterproof shoes!
Overall, the experience was good, and we would go back but would probably try to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
*Point of reference: 16th St NW & Rhode Island Ave NW
**As of July 2024 -
Hello DC (and KC) friends!
My name is Lily James Hicks, but my mom calls me everything but that (Lily Bean, honey girl, the honey, stinky girl, you get the jist). I was born on a farm in Missouri in 2020 and followed my humans out to Washington D.C. a few years later. I never thought I would be a big city dog when I was back on the farm, but mom says our time here is special and we won’t be here forever so we have to make the most of it (and document it along the way).
Anyway, mom has made it our job to try out all of the doggo friendly spots in the DMV and give you our honest reviews about our experience! Follow me on my journey here and on my socials!
I can’t wait to share my adventures with you!
Home
Hello,
I’m Lily
I was born on a farm in Missouri and picked up from a Dollar General parking lot one fateful day in September after my mom answered a Classifieds ad. She says I am the best semi-spontaneous purchase she has ever made. Fast forward 4 years, Mom and I now live in Washington D.C. with my dad and are loving city life!
Aside from sharing my adventures with all of you, Mom also wants to use this blog to document our time in D.C. because she knows it is special and it won’t be forever.
P.S. If you see me around the city, please pet, but ask before your dog says hi. I love all people, but some dogs make me nervous!
P.P.S. Don’t be surprised if you see Lily in Kansas City content from time to time!
Website managed by my human.
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Lily in DC 